Zoning Board approves funeral home with cremation services on Route 83 despite health concerns

The DuPage County Development Committee convened on January 21, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including budget transfers and a proposed zoning change for a funeral home.

The meeting began with the approval of previous minutes, followed by a motion to transfer $33,000 from regular salaries to another budget line, which passed without opposition.

A significant topic of discussion was the conditional use request for a funeral home with cremation services in the R4 single-family residence district, located east of Route 83. The Zoning Board of Appeals had previously recommended approval, noting that the proposal met all necessary conditional use factors. Despite concerns raised about traffic, committee members acknowledged that the site’s location on Route 83—a major four-lane roadway—would mitigate potential congestion. It was noted that most services would occur during off-peak hours, primarily in the evenings and on weekends.

However, the committee also addressed a concern from the health department regarding the existing sewer system's capacity, which was installed in 1964 and only accommodates 100 people. The applicant confirmed plans to address this issue moving forward.

The committee's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to balance community development with public health and safety considerations. The approval of the funeral home is expected to proceed, pending resolution of the sewer capacity concerns.